Announcement!! Virtual Rally For The Hammers!

[Kurtuleas]

Announcing the first ever, Pirate4x4.com: VIRTUAL RALLY FOR THE HAMMERS

Please read the following very carefully!

We need your help to pull this off and make it effective. Any and all input is greatly appreciated and will be carefully listened to.

First, let me be VERY clear. It does not look good for the Hammers.

John Stewart for Cal4Wheel is working extremely hard on this with several other people and organizations, but they cannot do it all alone. Like never before, the OHV community needs to develop a grass-roots effort to show that we have strength in numbers and that we care about our trails being taken away from us.

Here is the goal:

In a four hour time frame pack Pirate with so many people the server fries and Pirate crashes. (OK, just kidding…but that would sound awesome on a press release! LOL!)

All politicians care about is numbers. If you have ever taken a poly-sci class you may remember hearing that 1 letter from a person is seen as roughly equaling 300 votes. The greatest number of users ever logged into Pirate was 3,305 on 2/11/2008. The goal is to CRUSH that number and have all of those people post up in the Rally thread what the Hammers mean to them and to the OHV community.

When the rally is over, we will lock the thread and fab-up ANOTHER press release to the powers that be, showing how many people attended this virtual rally, how many posts there were, and invite them to read the thread and our concerns if they did not attend.

Here is the Plan:

1. We will issue a press release this Friday to politicians, media outlets, companies etc. announcing a virtual rally on Pirate4x4.com and invite them to come.


2. Lance will do a mass e-mail to ALL PBB members this Friday asking them to participate in the rally from 2-6 by posting their concerns in the thread.

3. We will come up with “sample” post to put in the thread to give people an idea of what we are looking for. (post them here please) Even people that have NEVER been to the Hammers need to post their concerns. This is all about showing how many of us there are and that we have a VOICE as a community.


4. The Rally will be on WEDNESDAY MARCH 12th from 2 to 6 pm Pacific Standard time.

5. Mustard Dog will start the “Rally” thread at 2pm that day. As of now, it will be in chit-chat, but we may be able to have it in all forums at once.

6. In the thread people will post their concerns about our trails being taken away, why the Hammers should remain open, pictures of them and their FAMILIES in the Hammers (appropriate ones!), etc. etc. People are encouraged to post multiple times.

ALL CHIT-CHAT BULLSHIT AND INAPPRIOPRATE POSTS WILL BE DELETED! We plan on having important people read this thread. If we are not on our best behavior, the OHV community will look bad.

7. As stated above, after the rally another press-release will be issued showing the number of people attending the rally, the number of posts, data on how fast the thread grew etc… We will also invite those in power that did not attend to read the thread.

What I am asking from all of you:

1. PLEASE: Get the word out! E-mail everyone you know, put something about it in your sig-line, go to other boards and sites and announce the rally, send out bulletins on Myspace etc. etc.

2. Write sample “posts” for people to see and post them here. Hopefully, they can type something up over the weekend and just cut and paste it on the day of the Rally.


Will this Rally save the Hammers? I do not know. But if it shows politicians and land-managers that we are a force to reckon with because of our numbers, it may make them think twice.

Why am I doing this if I have never been to the Hammers? During the ELDO fiasco last summer, I asked for help in chit-chat. People asked me, “Why should we help you guys? Where were YOU when OUR trails were being closed?” After I though about it, they were right. Where was I? It seems that we only fight for our own backyards. Not anymore. I promised the PBB in that thread I would fight route closures EVERYWHERE. So I am.

In a few, I will post up what I plan to post in the rally thread on the 12th.

A huge thanks to John Stewart, Del Albright, Randy Burelson, Cal4, BRC, and the other “Land-use” guys for their help, guidance and support. Many of them are working VERY hard behind the scenes on this issue.

I would also like to thank Lance and Camo for letting us do this on their site.

For all of those that e-mailed and PM’ed me on this: A huge thanks for your input and help. I am asking you to all step up in leadership roles in this.

I am sure there are people I forgot to thank. I am sorry….it’s been a long day already! LOL!!

It’s AWN like Donkey KONG!

GET IT!

Kurt Schneider

The Friends of Eldorado National Forest.

[UGET IT]

Awesome Kurt and everyone involved.........remind me of the gate days on the Tahoe side of the Rubicon Trail............

Lets Rally Folks!!!

Get those letters rolling and stay motivated! Spread the word to everyone you know.


Thanks for the continued efforts Kurt!

[jimfoo]

I will probably never run the Hammers, but letter sent and rally announcement put up on my club's board.
Jim Hall, Solihull Society Land Rover Club of Colorado.

[Lance]

It would be bad ass to crash the servers! For the tech savvy, here's what kind of horsepower is under the hood here at Pirate4x4 -

1 http server (UNIX based) - dual xeons, 4GB RAM, 4 150gb SCSI RAID'd 15k HDDs
2 database servers (UNIX based) - dual xeons, 4GB ram each, 2 72gb SCSI RAID'd 15k HDDs each
1 ad server (UNIX based) - dual xeon, 2GB Ram, not sure on the HDDs capacity/speed

That's a TON of horsepower. We will be prepared for this rally, and will take steps to devote as much horsepower to the event (disable searching during the rally, etc) so I CHALLENGE YOU ALL to bring enough people here to crash us! :beer:

[mrblaine]

Can each of you with a link in your signatures please add in Johnson Valley OHV so that those not in the know will have an accurate point of reference?

While you are at it, can you post it in the body of the message so it can be cut and pasted from a quote into a signature for those less savvy about how to do so?

[randii]

...so I CHALLENGE YOU ALL to bring enough people here to crash us! :beer:
:cool2: Respect. :cool2:

While you are at it, can you post it in the body of the message so it can be cut and pasted from a quote into a signature for those less savvy about how to do so?
Sure... here's some cut-and-paste-ready signature:
VIRTUAL RALLY for the HAMMER TRAILS in JOHNSON VALLEY
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7977490
MARCH 12th 2pm-6pm PST. ON THE PBB
Be there and post up POSITIVE COMMENTS!!
When they paste that into their signature, it should result in a live link.

Randii

[Chris]

Working on it...

[95steel]

Count me in!

[zuk1988]

I Put a link on the nw-wheelers board :)

[jjmat3]

Posted on LOST and NAXJA boards.

[jimfoo]

Also posted on Colo 4x4.org

[Kurtuleas]

Thank you guys.

Much appricated!

:beer:

[Kurtuleas]

PLEASE!

Can somebody do an e-mail hunt for me?

I need a list of e-mails to send the press release out to other than just the same old crowd..

I need e-mail addys for media outlets down there, The MARINE CORPS down there, Politicians etc. etc. etc.

Could someone please take that on for me?

I have to delegate out some responsiblity.

KURT

[Roc Dog]

:smokin:Good work, Thank you!

[Chris]

Jimmy Biggerstaff

jbiggerstaff@hidesertstar.com


Local Yucca VAlley Paper. He's on top of this and I have been emailing him an update

[EarlKann]

Some to add to the list. Sorry I don't have specific reporters that do OHV, but I'll keep looking.

San Bernardino Sun

citydesk@sbsun.com

Riverside Press Enterprise

penews@pe.com

"Wheels Offroad and Waves" supplement

wow@pe.com

[Kurtuleas]

Jimmy Biggerstaff

jbiggerstaff@hidesertstar.com

Local Yucca VAlley Paper. He's on top of this and I have been emailing him an update

:beer::beer::beer::beer:

THANK YOU!!!

[Chris]

:beer::beer::beer::beer:

THANK YOU!!!
See my post in one of the other threads. I emailed him the pdf which he seems to be very interested in since this was the first he has heard of the USMC declaring intent for JV. Very nice guy and very interested in this subject.

[Skunk03]

Posted on the Purdue OffRoad Club forum but it's spring break and a lot of us are going to be in Harlan for a week so we may not get the turn out hoped for.

[Wayne_Nosala]

Hello folks
New poster here

Im Normally a Buggy/ bike guy, but not afraid to cross
over to the 4x4 arena here and there.

I do some field work foe CORVA and involved
with friends of Jawbone here in East Kern County

Past two years have been spending a ton of time
doing volunteer work and going to meetings.

I got involved with this JV thing a few weeks ago
when a survey company called on CORVA and D37 for some
info gathering regarding JV

long story short, They are still doing this survey for
the military base and are currently studying usage
for JV

Our best course of action at the moment is use
JV and get those usage numbers up there, If
they report little usage, military will use that as
an excuse to encroach into JV.

Other than that, No decisions have been made to the fate of JV

29Palms has not even filed a "Notice of intent" or started
an EIR report

I hear out reps are getting pounded by calls and letters already,
Maybe a good thing to keep ahead of things, But dont expect
too much response until the military files its intentions. Please
if you do write or call your reps, please be professional and short.

Thanks
Wayne Nosala

[Broke That]

Lets do this people!

Without the Hammers, I'd be devorced long ago...


(Get in your Jeep and go damage it...before I damage you!)

[scraprock]

Lets do this people!

Without the Hammers, I'd be devorced long ago...


(Get in your Jeep and go damage it...before I damage you!)


So wait, I can go break backdoor again!?!:grinpimp:

[TheTonka]

Hello folks
New poster here

Im Normally a Buggy/ bike guy, but not afraid to cross
over to the 4x4 arena here and there.

I do some field work foe CORVA and involved
with friends of Jawbone here in East Kern County

Past two years have been spending a ton of time
doing volunteer work and going to meetings.

I got involved with this JV thing a few weeks ago
when a survey company called on CORVA and D37 for some
info gathering regarding JV

long story short, They are still doing this survey for
the military base and are currently studying usage
for JV

Our best course of action at the moment is use
JV and get those usage numbers up there, If
they report little usage, military will use that as
an excuse to encroach into JV.

Other than that, No decisions have been made to the fate of JV

29Palms has not even filed a "Notice of intent" or started
an EIR report

I hear out reps are getting pounded by calls and letters already,
Maybe a good thing to keep ahead of things, But dont expect
too much response until the military files its intentions. Please
if you do write or call your reps, please be professional and short.

Thanks
Wayne Nosala


If they are looking for usage someone(Lance or Camo) needs to send someone in charge some usage info on KOH. Also I would think the Benders would have some numbers on their events up there to send as well.

How do they determine usage? I'd go drive by the same guy over and over again to pad the numbers, but I kinda stand out. :flipoff2:

[Kurtuleas]

HERE IS A SAMPLE POST FOR THE RALLY THREAD!!

This will be my first post in the thread.

Not the greatest, but I am hoping everyone takes some time to put thier ideas down this weekend and save it so they can just cut and paste on Wednesday.

The post starts here:

To whom it may concern:

Let me start by saying that I am in total support of our military and the Marine Corps.

Still, I am very worried about the Johnson Valley expansion by the Marine Corps, especially the “additional area of interest”. If the Marine Corps expand into this area, it will take away a very important area from the OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) community.

The Hammer Trails, which are located in this area, are a main destination for OHV enthusiasts to bring their families to recreate in California. Competitions such as the recent, highly publicized “King of the Hammers” have also been held in this area.

I have two young sons, aged 4 and 5, who love to camp and four-wheel with me. My family normally attends 10-12 OHV functions and camping trips each year. As Johnson Valley is seen as a “Mecca” by many OHV enthusiasts in the west, it has always been a dream of mine to take my family down there to recreate responsibly. Many OHV enthusiasts that live miles away visit the Hammers on a regular basis.

While I understand that the Marines need space to train, you need to understand that our motor-sport is constantly under attack. Because of many different factors, the areas in which we can four-wheel in have been shrinking at an alarming rate. In Eldorado National Forest alone, for example, we stand to lose 1,800 MILES of trails. For us to lose such an important area as the Hammers to our sport would be like Baseball losing Wrigley field or Golf losing Augusta.

We also have an undeserved reputation for “ruining” the environment. The OHV community is growing by leaps and bounds, while our trails are closing left and right. This results in more users in a smaller area, which results in damage to the trail from condensed use by a greater number of OHV’s. Closing this area to OHV use will create damage to other trails that are already overcrowded, which in turn will give the “other” side more ammunition to lock us out of our public lands.

Whatever you do, please understand that you are not just taking an area of desert, you are effecting the lives of thousands of people who recreate in the Johnson Valley area.

I would like to end this letter by pledging $50.00 to the Blue Ribbon Coalition and $50.00 to Cal4Wheel for their continued efforts in saving our trails on public lands. I challenge others to out-do me!

Kurt Schneider

Proud Member of:

The Friends of Eldorado National Forest
Blue Ribbon Coalition
Cal4Wheel
California Off Road Vehicle Association
Kyburz Krawlerz
The Friends of the Rubicon
The Friends of Greenhorn
Friends of Fordyce
Friends of Tahoe Access
Friends of High Lakes
Friends of Coy Hill
Stewards of the Sequoia
Pirate4x4.com
E Clampus Vitus: Chapter 13

[WahooJeep]

Posted on some East Coast Boards.

Hope it helps,

Chris

[miguelitojeep]

Spreading the word on other boards!!! thanks and definitely will be tuned in!!!

great work!

[mrblaine]

Hello folks
New poster here

Im Normally a Buggy/ bike guy, but not afraid to cross
over to the 4x4 arena here and there.

I do some field work foe CORVA and involved
with friends of Jawbone here in East Kern County

Past two years have been spending a ton of time
doing volunteer work and going to meetings.

I got involved with this JV thing a few weeks ago
when a survey company called on CORVA and D37 for some
info gathering regarding JV

long story short, They are still doing this survey for
the military base and are currently studying usage
for JV

Our best course of action at the moment is use
JV and get those usage numbers up there, If
they report little usage, military will use that as
an excuse to encroach into JV.

Other than that, No decisions have been made to the fate of JV

29Palms has not even filed a "Notice of intent" or started
an EIR report

I hear out reps are getting pounded by calls and letters already,
Maybe a good thing to keep ahead of things, But dont expect
too much response until the military files its intentions. Please
if you do write or call your reps, please be professional and short.

Thanks
Wayne Nosala



Here's my take on that. The offroading community by and large is reeling from the impacts of progressively more and larger tracts being removed from our access. This is due mainly because we have been reactive and find ourselves staring at locked gates and trying to undo these closures.

That is the path of least resistance we as a whole take because of our apathy and lack of interest in much, other than the latest gadget we can bolt on our rigs.

We need to invert that behavior and show all who will listen that the path of least resistance for the USMC is any direction but into Johnson Valley. We need to hit them hard, often, and early in this fight to show them that moving the boundary somewhere else will be met with less resistance.

If we've learned no other lesson from Surprise, we should at a minimum understand that prevention and an early large and organized support between all alliances and users will be much more effective than being reactionary and always behind a step or two.

The USMC needs to understand implicitly that this will not be taken lightly by all parties concerned and another course of action will be easier for them to pursue.

[Fjamming]

Posted on fjcruiserforums.com

[miguelitojeep]

I just posted on Jeepforum, and MrBlaine has it over on MyJeeprocks!

[ABQ-TJ]

IN and cross-posted

[Kurtuleas]

I have tried like 4 times to post a bulletin from the FOE Myspace....but it will not show up!

I do them all the time! WTF??

[metalfabPAT]

Our best course of action at the moment is use
JV and get those usage numbers up there, If
they report little usage, military will use that as
an excuse to encroach into JV.



I like the sound of this, maybe a "save the hammers" run?:smokin:

[GETTINTHERETOY]

I have tried like 4 times to post a bulletin from the FOE Myspace....but it will not show up!

I do them all the time! WTF??

Reposted on Myspace and our local board.

[JEEPGAL]

Posted on Total Karnage (http://www.totalkarnage.net) website. We are also proud sponsors of Blue Ribbon Coalition! :D

[DLD]

I don't know how accurate they are considering the maps on the USMC pdf are practically unreadable but I scaled them to the same size. Please feel free to post on any message board or link the maps that I have put together.

Here is the "Johnson Valley Expansion" area they will take near Means lake, Outer Limits is cut in half:
http://www.urfracing.com/images/maps/USMC_Land_Acquisition.jpg

and the "additional area of intrest":
http://www.urfracing.com/images/maps/USMC_Land_Acquisition_Additional.jpg

[NOTPRETTY]

Posted on www.calcreepers.com as a sticky. We're a small corner of the world, but we on board and will be there to support!!

:D:D

I also posted this on norcalbroncos.com. Bigger site.

[Kurtuleas]

Thanks Marlon!

BTW. This idea is all YOUR fault. :D

[toywthbdydmge]

Im in for sure

[NOTPRETTY]

Thanks Marlon!

BTW. This idea is all YOUR fault. :D

Yikes...:eek:

Great work Kurt!! I'm for taking the fight to our opposition whenever and wherever we can. Passive cooperation and working within the system isn't working...it may still be necessary for future legal fights, but no matter how you look at it, to date we've been played like a Stratovarious. Example...Monty and Rich's biased and inflamitory power point presentation on the Sierra Clubs website. Its clear from there power point presentation they never intended to work with the OHV community. So much for cooperation towards a common goal. Frankly...that was never on the table and we now look the fools to think it was. Sorry...rant off.

I think we all need to recognize what we are up against and start doing something about it. We need to start recognizing that this fight will take money and time. Freedom isn't free...even here at home. This is a great plan and may set precedent for how to get heard in a political sense in the future.

Can I do anything to help???

[DREWZILLA]

In!!!!!!!!!

[paul_arc]

Im spreading the word and I'll be at the rally, Thanks to everyone involved!

[RustyNailJustin]

Great idea, you know I am in and I am telling everyone I know!!!

[caseyray63]

Posted on the Scouts West board, was kinda suprised it wasn't up there yet.
If raising money and getting some type of press coverage would help then mabye a fund raiser/crawling event on the hammers might be a good idea.

[svt150j49]

cross posting... myspacing...

lets spread this shit like AIDs......:laughing:

[RedBullJeep]

I put up a decent version of this invitation that is re-written to be re-posted on other web forums. You could do a tiny tweak and use it for e-mail/MySpace spamming as well.

The version I edited is here:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...96#post7980396


Let's go people! SPAM and get the word out!
__________________

[Wayne_Nosala]

Here's my take on that. The offroading community by and large is reeling from the impacts of progressively more and larger tracts being removed from our access. This is due mainly because we have been reactive and find ourselves staring at locked gates and trying to undo these closures.

That is the path of least resistance we as a whole take because of our apathy and lack of interest in much, other than the latest gadget we can bolt on our rigs.

We need to invert that behavior and show all who will listen that the path of least resistance for the USMC is any direction but into Johnson Valley. We need to hit them hard, often, and early in this fight to show them that moving the boundary somewhere else will be met with less resistance.

If we've learned no other lesson from Surprise, we should at a minimum understand that prevention and an early large and organized support between all alliances and users will be much more effective than being reactionary and always behind a step or two.

The USMC needs to understand implicitly that this will not be taken lightly by all parties concerned and another course of action will be easier for them to pursue.

I agree with you, an early offensive attack would play in some case.

Unfortunately, this may bite us in the rear if we badger
our reps too much at this time, it may hurt us.

This info was presented to a delegation of OHV reps
in Washington DC a couple of weeks ago.

One of the participating delegates posted it on the D37 site.

The info was entrusted by top military brass and
congressman Hunter to not release this to the general
public until the military filed its "Notice of intent" Sometime in March.

This thing as we know has been in the rumor mill for a while anyway,
a couple of more weeks would not have mattered.

One of our delegates was Ed Waldhiem. Ed did not release the info
on the open message board of d37.

One of the others did, along with a 12 page document that they brought home with them.

The damaging effect of this is the military may not be so friendly
to work with us if we badger them and the reps before they even
play their hand. The info was leaked, all we had to do is
sit on it for another couple of weeks so the military could file
its "Notice of Intent"

Then we could act

Now this thing has snowballed all over the Internet, we will be
lucky to even have a seat at the bargaining table.

I glad to see the OHV community rally together like I have witnessed
these past couple of days, I just hope we have not painted ourselves in a corner.

Wayne Nosala

[BLINGN]

It Is Posted On Marlincrawler

[dog walker]

In like flen...

[SOR4X4.COM]

Kurt,
Your bulletins went out on Myspace :smokin:

I posted one as well and put it up on mallcrawlin.com and SIRA4x4.net

I will be at the rally.

If there is anything else I can do on the east coast...let me know.

[rockalot]

Sending the message out to our club's email list and many other email addys that I have saved up for occasions like this!

[worknplay]

Just sent it out to our club. And I will be all over this.
Great job everyone.

[Kurtuleas]

I agree with you, an early offensive attack would play in some case.

Unfortunately, this may bite us in the rear if we badger
our reps too much at this time, it may hurt us.

This info was presented to a delegation of OHV reps
in Washington DC a couple of weeks ago.

One of the participating delegates posted it on the D37 site.

The info was entrusted by top military brass and
congressman Hunter to not release this to the general
public until the military filed its "Notice of intent" Sometime in March.

This thing as we know has been in the rumor mill for a while anyway,
a couple of more weeks would not have mattered.

One of our delegates was Ed Waldhiem. Ed did not release the info
on the open message board of d37.

One of the others did, along with a 12 page document that they brought home with them.

The damaging effect of this is the military may not be so friendly
to work with us if we badger them and the reps before they even
play their hand. The info was leaked, all we had to do is
sit on it for another couple of weeks so the military could file
its "Notice of Intent"

Then we could act

Now this thing has snowballed all over the Internet, we will be
lucky to even have a seat at the bargaining table.

I glad to see the OHV community rally together like I have witnessed
these past couple of days, I just hope we have not painted ourselves in a corner.

Wayne Nosala

Oh well.

It is not our fault if someone "leaked" something...thats THIER own fault.

I am SICK of the OHV community just bending over and taking it. I am not just going to sit here and DO NOTHING as an OHV user and HOPE someone at the "bargining table" gets the job done. That is how it's always been done around here and it hasn't worked very well, the organizations work thier asses off while the OHV community just sits around hoping for a good outcome. It's time we step up!

Our Organizations do a lot of work, but they need us as OHV users behind them. I cannot see how a large group of people posting in a thread on how important the Hammers and their trails are to them would hurt, it should HELP the organizations if they say, "Look at what all these people said on Pirate4x4.com" Grassroots efforts are VERY important.

[Hammer Hog]

I've got to agree with Wayne.

It is clear we are in on this in the early stages.

I believe we need to enter this with caution.

We don't want to make a knee-jerk reaction. It could be counter-productive.

I think we need to be in the questioning stages as well as show our concern...but diligently and timely!!!

just my .02

[Wayne_Nosala]

Oh well.

It is not our fault if someone "leaked" something...thats THIER own fault.

I am SICK of the OHV community just bending over and taking it. I am not just going to sit here and DO NOTHING as an OHV user and HOPE someone at the "bargining table" gets the job done. That is how it's always been done around here and it hasn't worked very well, the organizations work thier asses off while the OHV community just sits around hoping for a good outcome. It's time we step up!

Our Organizations do a lot of work, but they need us as OHV users behind them. I cannot see how a large group of people posting in a thread on how important the Hammers and their trails are to them would hurt, it should HELP the organizations if they say, "Look at what all these people said on Pirate4x4.com" Grassroots efforts are VERY important.

I hear ya

We talked about deleting the D37 post, but figgered it
may look like we were hiding somthing, so it was left.

You guys are doing an awesome job, the ball is on the court
I would say run with it!

Believe me, I see concerns from every type of OHV recreation,
The bike guys race there, I supported buggy/truck racing there
for almost 30 years, I even won a championship in class 10, 2004
in MORE.

Im in the ring, I will fight this as hard an any!
:D
Wayne Nosala

[Wgasa84]

posted on TTORA, TTORA SoCal, FJ Cruiser Forums. I sent a mass email out to the TTORA SoCal members (300+ on that list).

[Wayne_Nosala]

I've got to agree with Wayne.

It is clear we are in on this in the early stages.

I believe we need to enter this with caution.

We don't want to make a knee-jerk reaction. It could be counter-productive.

I think we need to be in the questioning stages as well as show our concern...but diligently and timely!!!

just my .02


Cool post,
thank you.

Level heads will prevail :grinpimp:

Wayne

[Zaedock]

Greetings,
Joe here from the North East Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs and Friends Of Coy Hill, in Massachusetts. Signed up and ready to do what I can for the virtual rally.
This has been posted on Clubs' boards all over the northeast. :D

[Albuquerque Jim]

Posted on Yotatech, Ultimate Yota, NM HD Cruisers, NM TTORA...:D

[Kurtuleas]

I hear ya

We talked about deleting the D37 post, but figgered it
may look like we were hiding somthing, so it was left.

You guys are doing an awesome job, the ball is on the court
I would say run with it!

Believe me, I see concerns from every type of OHV recreation,
The bike guys race there, I supported buggy/truck racing there
for almost 30 years, I even won a championship in class 10, 2004
in MORE.

Im in the ring, I will fight this as hard an any!
:D
Wayne Nosala


Thank you Wayne..

And thanks for Keeping us informed. I knew there HAD to be a negative to this somehow.

I think the benefits outweigh the costs right now in doing this rally.

I am just so damned sick of us doing nothing, that I figued we HAVE to do something. At the very least, this Rally will hopefully show people that the OHV community has a voice.

[Kurtuleas]

Greetings,
Joe here from the North East Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs and Friends Of Coy Hill, in Massachusetts. Signed up and ready to do what I can for the virtual rally.
This has been posted on Clubs' boards all over the northeast. :D

:D

Hey Joe!!

I am very glad that one of you "FOCH"ers made it over here to help out next week! (As you probably know, I am a proud FOCHer too!! LOL)

[randii]

Now this thing has snowballed all over the Internet, we will be lucky to even have a seat at the bargaining table.

These two things (internet snowball, seat at the table) are at most indirectly connected.

There's absolutely ZERO downside to a positive rally that keeps its focus on how much we appreciate the resource, how much we use it, how many dollars we spend there, and how absolutely irreplaceable it is.

Randii

[EHeye]

A fellow user posted it on CrawlinBC.com (British Columbia, CANADA) site. What would you think if we put our site that we most use regularly in our signatures? I know it can sometimes be frowned upon by moderators but if these people see that the Hammers attracts tourists from other countries and brings dollars for all other states as we travel through...

I will be there!

[camo]

A fellow user posted it on CrawlinBC.com (British Columbia, CANADA) site. What would you think if we put our site that we most use regularly in our signatures? I know it can sometimes be frowned upon by moderators but if these people see that the Hammers attracts tourists from other countries and brings dollars for all other states as we travel through...

I will be there!


we don't have a problem with you putting it in your sig. our issue is when a thread is made with the sole intention of spam.

[EHeye]

we don't have a problem with you putting it in your sig. our issue is when a thread is made with the sole intention of spam.

Roger dodger. Thanks.

[camo]

anybody have Duncan Hunters office phone number ? maybe we should flood his office with OHV callers pleading to keep the trails open.

[Chris]

Congressman Duncan Hunter
1870 Cordell Ct, Ste 206
El Cajon, CA 92020
PHONE: (619) 448-5201
FAX: (619) 449-2251

2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-5672
FAX: (202) 225-0235

[Kurtuleas]

Congressman Duncan Hunter
1870 Cordell Ct, Ste 206
El Cajon, CA 92020
PHONE: (619) 448-5201
FAX: (619) 449-2251

2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-5672
FAX: (202) 225-0235

Someone post that chit in chit-chat and let those guys have at it.

What about an e-mail addy???

[Kurtuleas]

PRESS RELEASE DRAFT!! Not the final final yet....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

El Dorado County: Friday March 7th, 2008

Virtual on-line Rally to be Held by 4x4 Enthusiasts

Off Highway Vehicle enthusiasts organize to hold first ever online rally over trail closures


In a landmark event, thousands of Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) users across the world will participate in an online, Virtual Rally to voice their concerns over a popular OHV area in Southern California. On Wednesday March 12th, 2008 Pirate4x4.com, a leading website for the OHV community, will hold this rally from 2 to 6 PM PST.

The Hammers trail system in Johnson Valley, California is being considered for requisition to expand the United States Marine Corps training facilities, which would effectively eliminate public access to Johnson Valley's unrivaled OHV Mecca.

Virtual Rally participants will be asked to post their experiences, photos and history recreating with their families in the Johnson Valley Area, and the concerns they have with losing this unique recreational resource. These comments will be posted and tracked in bulletin-board format, with a goal of creating a lasting record of how important this unassuming stretch of desert is to a vast number of people from many places -- some who visit Johnson Valley multiple times a year, and others who just dream of the opportunity of visiting the Hammers in the future. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the rally and read the thread, as this is a public rally, you do not need to be a member of Pirate4x4.com to read what is posted.

Families and clubs have recreated in this area for many years with OHV’s, and competitive rock crawling, rock racing, motorcycling, and ATV events have been held there for more than a decade, with significant rewards for the area economy. In February, the famed “King of the Hammers” annual rock race crowned its king.

The Bureau of Land Management currently owns the Johnson Valley's varied landscape of steep red rocky mountains, rolling hills, open valleys, dry lake beds, dunes, and sandy washes. The main attraction for most visitors is family OHV recreation: trail-rides, competitive racing events, and general OHV free play. Johnson Valley sees hundreds of thousands of recreation days with users motorcycling, ATVing, 4x4ing, rallycrossing, camping, hiking, rock-hounding, and wildlife-watching.

“It is ironic that the BLM has OHV users recreate responsibly by staying on marked trails and not having campfires at certain times of the year, but now they sell the same area to the Marines who will tear all over the area and conduct live fire drills”, said Todd Ockert, The United Four Wheel Drive Association Director of Environmental Affairs.

More information is available at www.pirate4x4.com

The link for the rally on Wednesday, March 12th will be www.pirate4x4.com/jv


# # #

[bogshotrods]

This is a great idea, and I will be glad to do my part since I live in Big Bear this is close to me adn I also camp in that area with several families several times a year. Could somebody point me in the right direction to get the facts about what they want to do in that area.

Thanks,
Danny Bogner
Big Bear
So Cal Broncos

[Kurtuleas]

This is a great idea, and I will be glad to do my part since I live in Big Bear this is close to me adn I also camp in that area with several families several times a year. Could somebody point me in the right direction to get the facts about what they want to do in that area.



Thank you for your support.

Look here:


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=662802

[camo]

Congressman Duncan Hunter
1870 Cordell Ct, Ste 206
El Cajon, CA 92020
PHONE: (619) 448-5201
FAX: (619) 449-2251

2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-5672
FAX: (202) 225-0235

call and invite him to OUR rally.

[JEEPGAL]

Posted the info on every BB I could find! Even posted in the free section on Craigs List! :D

[Kurtuleas]

Posted the info on every BB I could find! Even posted in the free section on Craigs List! :D

Good Job!

[JEEPGAL]

Kurtuleas, pm'd ya.

[Kurtuleas]

Kurtuleas, pm'd ya.

pm'ed you back!

Hoped that helped.

read this one that I found on a board:

THE COMMENT:

That's pretty cool. Really though, and i doubt i'm alone in this thought of mine.. But i'd rather put effort into my backyard (Utah) rather than someone else's backyard(i know, i know, i have been slacking lately)... Not to be selfish about it, but i've never been there so i feel it has little to do with me.

MY RESPONSE:

I am the one that is organizing the Virtual Rally. (although many are pitching in to help me)


Let me make a few things VERY clear:

I have never been to the Hammers.

Most likely, becuase they are so far away from me, I never will.

Still, I am spending HOURS of my free time, time away from my family, to fight this.

What does it have to do with you? EVERYTHING. The problem with the OHV community is everyone only fights for their backyards, so we LOSE.

This has to stop now. With EIS's coming down all over the US, it's time we all band together and fight for every little strip of trail on public lands.

All we are asking for is 3-5 minutes of your time to post up that while you support the USMC, you think it is wrong to take away yet MORE of our public lands. That's it. One comment.

The Sierra club comes together to get what they want, we can't we?

Win or lose this battle, we will at least show the powers that be and the general public that we CAN make a stand together AND that we have a HUGE voice.

I do not meen to come off sounding like an ass, I DO see what you are saying......

but when your trails get hit with an EIS and start closing, wouldn't you want us to speak up for you too?

KURT

The Friends of Eldorado.

[McJeep]

In ... and have cross posted to BC4X4 and Island 4X4 to help cover the West coast of Canuckia :smokin:

[Krusty]

and note--- the times listed are for Pacific STANDARD---- we will be on Daylite Saveings time then, so make the adjustment.

[miguelitojeep]

I am really bummed, I didnt realize this rally will be held on a weds. I have class all night (2pm-10pm) although one class from 4pm-7 will end in a computer lab....I think.
Im bummed, I might miss the rally. But I have emailed a ton of people and have posted this on another jeep site...

[JEEPGAL]

Hell yeh! People like that piss me off! I have only been to the Hammers once, but am willing to fight for it. If my wheeling area comes into troubles like this, all I could hope for is the help from other wheelers, (just like this) no matter where you live! Yes, we all need to band together!

KARMA! I believe. Others need to......

[Scarrow]

I have heard it in the north country and will do what I can to pass it on.

[Jeepndel]

Because this thread is more about the rally, I'm going to post up in a new thread about a Plan for the Hammers.
Check it out. Let me know your thoughts.

Del

[miguelitojeep]

I have gotten some negative feedback in : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=529417
I think this guy is being ignorant.

[Kurtuleas]

I have gotten some negative feedback in : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=529417
I think this guy is being ignorant.

Is it THIS post?

While the intent is great I think a "virtual rally" is a poor idea. Has it ever been done before? A regional politican from SoCal could care less what "Joe 4 Wheeler" in North Carolina thinks. He knows that guy isn't voting. Why not just have people send letters or actually group together and rally? I would also imagine the best way to show support of an OHV area would be to use it. If they see people using it in large numbers they would be less inclined to shut it down.

On a side not, having just got out of the Marines in '06 I can tell you that there are always grumblings about base expansions and such. All of them turned out to be just that....grumblings.

Not trying to be a buzz kill either, I'm all for keeping California's OHV areas. It just seems like the lazy mans protest.

1. No. it has not been done before. That's what is so fawkin cool about it.

2. His dumb ass is missing the point totally. The problem with us is that we ONLY fight for our own backyards, we never come together as a whole. That hurts us in a BIG way. Do you think people in the Sierra club only fight for where they hike? :shaking:

The idea is to show people that the OHV community has a MASSIVE and LOUD voice.

3. We have sent letters. Lots of them. The thread on Rally day will contain even MORE letters which will be sent to people in power and announced in a press release.

4. He thinks the Hammers get no use? What about the KOH?? Does he know anything about that? It is a MAJOR OHV area!!! Actually the tree-huggers want to CLOSE down areas used a lot. Use it more we won't lose it???? COME ON!

5. A "lazy man's" rally??? We could potentially have THOUSANDS of people from ALL OVER THE WORLD. If he has a better idea....bring it on and step up to the fawlin plate. Do sumpthin then!

6. Grumblings? He has not done his research. this IS going down...and it DOES NOT look good. This is the biggest land-use battle the OHV community has ever seen....oh, maybe it's just grumblings so we should do NOTHING. Who is down for that????



Sorry.....

I am a little pissed off at the apathy and the indiffernce we got going on lately.

[miguelitojeep]

I AGREE!
thats why I as little bummed to see that no one on this form cared to say anything positive

[Kurtuleas]

Well....

I followed it up with a post.

And I know it will do nothing but piss him off

Oh well, you cannot please everyone :D

[mrblaine]

I have gotten some negative feedback in : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=529417
I think this guy is being ignorant.

We are all ignorant about some things. Before we start calling names, let's try and use more positive methods to convince others that our goals are valid even if they disagree with the delivery mechanism.

Every person we can convert in a nice way is one more on our side and we don't look like buttheads in the process.

Not that you'd know anything about tough love, eh? :p

[RustyNailJustin]

This might be a little extreme but I say lock the BB up for 4 hours and make that the only thing you can post about during that time period. Keep several moderators on the task of keeping it on topic and deleting any crap that comes through.
Many people are viewing this is an OH Shit we are going to lose the hammers, I see it as a opportunity to unit, have a big victory, and set the example how we should handle all land use issues. We can do this you guys!

[mrblaine]

http://jeeptalk.net/index.php?showforum=7

I didn't see it on that board in their land use area. I'd post, but I think I'm still banned over there. Maybe someone else who is a member can put up the link.

The owner of the board has been to JV a couple of times and may consider returning at some point.

[krcruiser]

http://jeeptalk.net/index.php?showforum=7

I didn't see it on that board in their land use area........
The owner of the board has been to JV a couple of times and may consider returning at some point.

I joined and was not allowed to post a thread either so I sent an email from the "contact us" link

"
To whom it may concern,

There is to be a virtual rally on pirate4x4.com which is to augment a letter writing campaign to save the Johnson Valley Off highway Area. This is home to the legendary sledgehammer and Jackhammer trails.

I was hoping that one of the mods would be kind enough to make a post to let your readership know about this event. If so please direct your members to http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=664629

See you at the rally
"

[Kurtuleas]

This might be a little extreme but I say lock the BB up for 4 hours and make that the only thing you can post about during that time period. Keep several moderators on the task of keeping it on topic and deleting any crap that comes through.

Good idea....Camp was thinking of stopping chit-chat for a few. I do not know what those guys got planned....I am "hoping" that you will be able to see the thread in every forum..but it looks like it will only be in the land-use forum for now.


Many people are viewing this is an OH Shit we are going to lose the hammers, I see it as a opportunity to unit, have a big victory, and set the example how we should handle all land use issues. We can do this you guys!

MY POINT EXACTLY!!!!! I hope this thread shows that we can unite as one community and fight....no matter where the trail is located!

You hit it riht on the mark

[Kurtuleas]

Everyone please take a little time tonight to type up something to post in the RALLY thread on Wednesday. That way you can just cut and paste it.

Even if you have never been to the Hammers, post up on how one day you would like to go there..OR tell people who read the thread HOW YOU WHEEL RESPONSIBLY!!! Post pics of clean-ups, wheeling with your families etc....


For those of you that actually WHEEL the Hammers....we want pics and storys in that thread....It's not just a bitch-fest on the place being shut down, it's showing our numbers AND having a little fun....

A HUGE thanks to all of you who are passing the word on...

KURT
__________________

[RustyNailJustin]

I think I found the theme song for our fight...
Jerry Reed
West bound and down
Check it out here
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/jerry-reed-westbound-and-down-smoky-and-the-bandid/1348042169

Or on my myspace page.

[Jeepndel]

I think I found the theme song for our fight...
Jerry Reed
West bound and down

yea, that's a good one, but I have one for ya too. Go here, scroll down under the photos to the yellow box: Bear Catches Del on the Piano.

http://delalbright.com/Rubicon/workday_aug14_04_photos.htm

:D
Del

[RustyNailJustin]

yea, that's a good one, but I have one for ya too. Go here, scroll down under the photos to the yellow box: Bear Catches Del on the Piano.

http://delalbright.com/Rubicon/workday_aug14_04_photos.htm

:D
Del

Get it Del!:D

[Kurtuleas]

I had some time this afternoon, so i sent the press release out to several more places...

The Johnson Valley website e-mailed me back thier support right away..

Sent them to BRC (who should already know), Posion Spyder, Warn, several on-line magazines, even the SIERRA CLUB!!!

What newspapers are in the JV area? I only found one...

[Kurtuleas]

SWEET! Look what I found :smokin:

http://newslink.org/canews.html

Here come the press releases!!

[Wayne_Nosala]

Posted on D37........

Bases aim to expand
More High Desert land eyed for training troops
Lauren McSherry, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/08/2008 10:02:33 PM PST


Two military bases in the High Desert are undertaking expansion plans that will widen the territory used for war games crucial to training soldiers and Marines being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms has announced its intention to extend its boundaries. The process could take years.
Gunnery Sgt. Chris Cox, a public affairs officer, estimated that 50 percent of the combat center - which encompasses 932 square miles, an area about half the size of Rhode Island - is unusable.
This is because tracts of land are too mountainous, provide habitat for endangered species or are too close to civilian areas, which would be disturbed by the noise and tremors that accompany explosions.
"That's the conundrum: Where do we go? What do we do?" Cox said. "That's why it's going to take such a long time to figure out a course of action."
The extent and timeline for the expansion remains unclear.
Cox would not disclose what areas are under consideration - or even what geographical direction the expansion might take.
The problem is the base needs more space to execute training exercises, and military leaders are anticipating a future increase in Marines undergoing battlefield exercises, Cox said.
All Marines that go to Iraq are sent to the base for the monthlong "Mojave Viper" training. The training prepares Marines for the hardships of living in the
desert, for vehicle checkpoint procedures and for combat operations.
Up to 450 Marines can participate in the training at one time, but the goal is to be able to train an entire battalion, up to 1,000 Marines, at once, Cox said.
The planning process is being led by the Defense Department and the Navy, he said.
Notices were sent to residents in July about the expansion plans, Cox said.
The expansion is necessary because it will enable training that is crucial to limiting Marine casualties in war zones, he said.
"The Marine Corps in the High Desert realizes we are part of the community," he said. "We're not in the business of keeping secrets or doing things that aren't good for our neighbors.
"At the same time, we are in the business of saving lives."
The Bureau of Land Management confirmed Friday that the combat center had not submitted an application to change its boundaries, which typically involves a review of environmental impacts.
Meanwhile, Fort Irwin is moving ahead with its expansion, which was divided into three phases.
The first phase, extending the eastern boundary to include 45,000 acres, was completed last summer, said Col. Chris Philbrick, garrison commander at Fort Irwin.
The second phase, moving the southern boundary to encompass 22,000 acres, is still undergoing environmental impact assessment, but could be complete by this fall, he said.
The third and largest phase, absorbing 65,000 acres to the west, is not expected to be complete until next year, Philbrick said.
Service members from all branches of the military are sent to the base.
Because of its size, Fort Irwin is a key training location for soldiers and Marines going to Iraq and Afghanistan, Philbrick said.
The training grounds prepare troops for communicating, planning logistics and executing combat operations over the vast geographic areas they will encounter overseas, he said.
"There's a difference between going a mile and practicing and going 100 miles," Philbrick said. "We like to use the old football analogy - you wouldn't go from the team that's at summer camp to the Super Bowl. You've got to have some training in there."
But by pushing its borders westward and southward, Fort Irwin has encountered a couple of stumbling blocks.
The military base is encroaching on areas occupied by the desert tortoise, which is federally listed as a threatened species.
The base is developing a plan to mitigate the impact on the desert tortoise.
The area is also home to the Lane Mountain milkvetch, an endangered plant species only found in the expansion area, said Ileene Anderson, a wildlife biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity.
Fort Irwin's plans have raised concerns about the future of the two species, she said. "We don't see how running tanks are going to be compatible with species conservation," she said.

[Jeepndel]

Obviously the military would like to expand its bases with the least amount of conflict possible. So this new press release listed here above my post gives us the impression that we OHV types are much easier to overcome than desert tortoises or some wimpy plant. Well horse pucky is what I say .

I have 14 years of military background including the distinguished rank of field grade officer (Major) in the US Army, and with 32 years of government service under my belt, I also know how Unlce Sam likes to work. I say, again, horse pucky on taking our Hammers. Horse flippin' pucky.

The Marines need to take a new course of action. They need to expand elsewhere. We will help them. They can fight the greenies. Goodness sakes, we do our share or that. So they can have a turn. Take on the flippin' turtles; but don't take us on 'cause we're bringing it awn!

This is the lazy man's way out -- trying to take our Hammers. Forget it. Engage us to help find some place else where they can expand for training. Or hey, GIVE US all those lands they say they can't use for training that they have now. Hmmm....new trails?

And dare no man take on my patriotism for saying this. This is not about patriotism. This is business. We support our troops -- every man, woman and child on this board and for the most part in our sport. But this is not about our troops. This is the Marines taking the wrong course of action thinking we'll roll over and play take me. NOT.

Del

[Freshman]

I will be hear for the ralley.

[kf6zpl]

Gunnery Sgt. Chris Cox, a public affairs officer, estimated that 50 percent of the combat center - which encompasses 932 square miles, an area about half the size of Rhode Island - is unusable.
This is because tracts of land are too mountainous, provide habitat for endangered species or are too close to civilian areas, which would be disturbed by the noise and tremors that accompany explosions.

I think people should read this and the original Aug 7, 2007 press release.

Note that in the Aug 7, 2007 press release, 40% of 29 Palms was deemed unusable. The new PR notes that 50% of the base is unusable.

Part of the rational cited for "unusable" is "...land too mountainous..."

Isn't a majority of the land proposed for the expansion "mountainous"????

Why add more land that is "unusable"????

[CanadianZuk]

Our board (Crawlin'bc.com) will be on showing support as well :smokin:

[ChevelleSSLS6]

Posted on Great Lakes XJ Association, from a member of the ARRA (Americans for Responsible Recreational Access) and Tread Lightly. I likely will never run the hammers, but I'm fighting for you guys over there since if something of the sort were to happen here in the midwest, you guys would help us fight. We need to stick together, like family.

[Kurtuleas]

Just FYI,

If you ever want to send a press release to ARB: sales@arb.com is a dead link. Oh, and Hillary Spittle from Eaton is out of the office. :D

[zuk1988]

Will lance send the E mail to us on our private messages on pirate or our home E mail. I just got my home E mail back up today it's blackzuk88@hotmail.com,thanks.

[Kurtuleas]

Will lance send the E mail to us on our private messages on pirate or our home E mail. I just got my home E mail back up today it's blackzuk88@hotmail.com,thanks.

The mass e-mail went to whatever e-mail you used when you signed up for Pirate. (It went out to 100,000 people)

If you did NOT get it, you can still read the press release and get the info here:

www.pirate4x4.com/jv

That is also the link for the Rally

[Kurtuleas]

Numbers are WAY up on Pirate this morning.

10:20 PST and we have 1,312 people viewing it. (727 guests)

I am curious if that is because word got out? :confused:

I HOPE!

[Jeepndel]

I put it on my blogs and spaces and all those other things I still don't understand. :smokin::grinpimp:

Del
ps. Jerry Sparkman and I will be on the road to Moab. But we hope to be someplace to chime in on the rally. Hey, but that might mean beer-thirty would come early????

[Kurtuleas]

a few more press releases sent to:

Friends of Giant Rock

SDORC

ASA

AMA

ORBA

I think I have sent out over 200 of them in total.

[Brewster2]

I'd like to chime in here with an observation. So far it looks like we will be preaching to the choir and not to the folks out side of the doors.

WHO DO WE WANT TO MAKE AWARE OF THE SITUATION?

Who, besides the OHV community do we want to see and read the postings?
Who can affect the decision of where the military can expand their operations?

Only two days left to contact the outside world!

Ride on
Brewster
CERA...assistant LAO

[Kurtuleas]

I'd like to chime in here with an observation. So far it looks like we will be preaching to the choir and not to the folks out side of the doors.

WHO DO WE WANT TO MAKE AWARE OF THE SITUATION?

Who, besides the OHV community do we want to see and read the postings?
Who can affect the decision of where the military can expand their operations?

Only two days left to contact the outside world!

Ride on
Brewster
CERA...assistant LAO

Good point.

It's hard to find direct e-mails for politicans, there are some on-line forms though...

While this press release announces the rally, it's the press release AFTER the rally that will be the big one to get out to the powers that be.

I hope and a PRAY that the rally will generate a lot of numbers that will turn some heads. Many of the press releases i have sent out this weekend are to the choir becuase we NEED big numbers...

[clarksinca]

I had some time this afternoon, so i sent the press release out to several more places...

The Johnson Valley website e-mailed me back thier support right away..

Sent them to BRC (who should already know), Posion Spyder, Warn, several on-line magazines, even the SIERRA CLUB!!!

What newspapers are in the JV area? I only found one...

I live in 29...yes...THERE.

The local rags are:
The Desert Sun (www.mydesert.com) (Palm Springs but people subscibe in this area.
The Hi-Desert Star (www.hidesertstar.com)
The Desert Trail (www.deserttrail.com)

[Kurtuleas]

29 Palms EIS (Economic)

http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/dirs/pao/eis.pdf

They got some SWEET training areas according to this document. :smokin:

I would like to go there and shoot a little......



Cut and paste from it:

Currently, we are moving forward with the construction of a large scale Combined
Arms Military Operations Urban Training (MOUT) complex consisting of approximately 1500
buildings. These initiatives have stimulated growth not only for the basin’s largest business
enterprise and employer, but for local contractors as well.

The 70-plus member team that comprises the Natural Resources and
Environmental Affairs (NREA) Division is committed to balancing the training
needs of the world’s largest Marine Corps live-fire training facility with the
requirements of conserving and managing its precious natural and cultural
resources. Environmental stewardship and compliance is a command focus,
as documented by the Commanding General’s Environmental Policy
Statement. These regularly published statements unequivocally commit the
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) to take a
9
leadership role in environmental compliance, pollution prevention,
environmental training/awareness, conservation and long-term land
management in support of training and mission accomplishment, while
complying with our Nation’s environmental laws.
NREA successfully meets a myriad of environmental challenges in
managing almost 600,000 acres of training land in support of MAGTFTC’s
primary mission to train combat ready Marines for OIF/OEF. Training over
one-third of the Marine Corps fighting forces annually in 22+ live fire and
maneuver exercises, while complying with our nation’s environmental laws, is
a daunting task. NREA’s four branches, comprised of Program Management,
Natural and Cultural Resources, Environmental Affairs, and Compliance
Support, continue to be recognized with numerous awards given at the
highest levels of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of
the Navy for their ability to accomplish this mission

[Kurtuleas]

Where's all the local Hammers people??

Do me a favor, call KCDZ 107.7 on the radio and bring this rally up...

760-366-8471

I sent 'em a press release! :)

[mrblaine]

I'd like to chime in here with an observation. So far it looks like we will be preaching to the choir and not to the folks out side of the doors.

WHO DO WE WANT TO MAKE AWARE OF THE SITUATION?

Who, besides the OHV community do we want to see and read the postings?
Who can affect the decision of where the military can expand their operations?

Only two days left to contact the outside world!

Ride on
Brewster
CERA...assistant LAO

I respectfully disagree on the choir aspect of this. Until every member of every OHV related bulletin board and message forum has a link to the rally in his or her signature and is a donating member to a Land Use organization like the BRC, our choir is not nearly as big as it should be.

Every single board suffers the same apathy when it come to traffic in the Land Use sections. This rally and the support for it, gives all of us who care another chance to encourage all of our friends, buddies, partners and acquaitances a well defined path to get involved with just a little bit of effort.

We can point them here, have them participate by relating their experiences and start taking the baby steps to be more informed, interested, and involved in the daily battles we face keeping and maintaining rightful access on our public lands.

I view this as an opportunity to get those involved who before now have merely nodded and smiled when I rant around the campfire over the latest land grab injustice.

I have encouraged many of my lesser involved friends to show up and start taking an active interest by using this rally to ease them into it.

I may be preaching to the choir, but they need to sing just a bit louder.

[Kurtuleas]

I may be preaching to the choir, but they need to sing just a bit louder.

Amen brother!

I have heard a lot on this rally, but IMHO, nowhere NEAR what it should be..

I posted up a pool on the Rally in chit-chat..

Maybe that will generate some curiosity:


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=665515

[kf6zpl]

Somebody wanted more addresses:

Here is House Natural Resources Committee. All can be called at the Capital Switchboard at (202) 225-3121. You can fax the committee office at (202) 225-5929. Fax each individual Congressman on the Committee and their personal fax number listed. E-mail each Congressman care of the staff member's e-mail listed.

-----Minority Members (Republicans)

Don Young (R-AK) -- FAX (202) 225-0-425 -- e-mail: kevin.v.kennedy@mail.house.gov

Jim Saxton (R-NJ) -- FAX (202) 225-0778 - e-mail: andy.oliver@mail.house.gov

Elton Gallegly (R-CA) -- FAX (202) 225-1100 - e-mail:
brian.feintech@mail.house.gov

John Duncan (R-TN) - FAX (202) 225-6440 -- e-mail: scott.fischer@mail.house.gov

Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) - FAX (202) 225-0254 - edith.Thompson@mail.house.gov

Chris Cannon (R-UT) - FAX (202) 225-5629 - e-mail: rachel.dresen@mail.house.gov

Tom Tancredo (R-CO) - FAX (202) 226-4623 - e-mail: andrew.good@mail.house.gov

Jeff Flake (R-AZ) - FAX -- (202) 226-4386 - e-mail: chandler.morse@mail.house.gov

Steve Pearce (R-NM) - FAX - (202) 225-9599 - e-mail: tim.charters@mail.house.gov

Henry Brown (R-SC) - FAX - (202) 225-3407 - e-mail: chris.berardini@mail.house.gov.

Luis Fortuno (R-PR) - FAX (202) 225-2154 - kimberly.beer@mail.house.gov

Rob Bishop (R-UT) Fax: (202) 225-5857
e-mail: casey.hammond@mail.house.gov

Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) - FAX (202) 225-3392 chrissy.poe@mail.house.gov

Louie Gohmert (R-TX) - FAX - (202) 226-5866 - e-mail: drew.kent@mail.house.gov

Tom Cole (R-OK) - FAX -- (202) 225-3512 - e-mail: caitrin.mccarron@mail.house.gov

Dean Heller (R-NV) - FAX - (202) 225-5697 - e-mail: emy.lesofski@mail.house.gov

William Sali (R-ID) - FAX - (202) 225-3029 - e-mail: lisa.tanner@mail.house.gov

Douglas Lamborn (R-CO) - FAX (202) 226-2638 - e-mail: craig.rushing@mail.house.gov

Rob Wittman (R-VA) -- FAX (202) 225-5438 - e-mail: brent.robinson@mail.house.gov

Adrian Smith (R-NE) - FAX (202) 225-0207 - e-mail: monica.jirik@mail.house.gov



-----Majority Members (Democrats):

Chairman: Nick Rahall (D-WV) - FAX - (202) 225-9061 - e-mail:
jim.zoia@mail.house.gov

Dale Kildee (D-MI) - FAX - (202) 225-6393 - e-mail: travis.talvitie@mail.house.gov

Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (D-AS) - FAX -- (202) 225-8757 - e-mail: lisa.Williams@mail.house.gov

Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) -- FAX - (202) 225-4580-e-mail: wendy.clerinx@mail.hoouse.gov

Soloman Ortiz (D-TX) - FAX - (202) 226-1134 - e-mail: patricia.villarreal@mail.house.gov

Frank Pallone (D-NJ) - FAX - (202) 225-9665 - e-mail: eric.gordon@mail.house.gov

Donna Christensen (D-VI) - FAX - (202) 225-5517 - e-mail: brian.modeste@mail.house.gov

Grace Napolitano (D-CA) - FAX - (202) 225-0027 - e-mail: joe.sheehy@mail.house.gov

Rush Holt (D-NJ) - FAX - (202) 225-6025 - e-mail: christopher.hartmann@mail.house.gov

Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) - FAX - (202) 226-2301 - e-mail: david.watkins@mail.house.gov

Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) - FAX (202) 226-0341 - e-mail: jed.bullock@mail.house.gov

David Daniel Boren (D-OK) - FAX - (202) 225-3038 - e-mail: Jason.buckner@mail.house.gov

John Sarbanes (D-MD) - FAX - (202) 225-9219 - e-mail: jason.Gleason@mail.house.gov

George Miller (D-CA) - FAX -- (202) 225-5609 - e-mail: ben.miller@mail.house.gov

Edward Markey (D-MA) - FAX - (202) 226-0092 - e-mail: jeff.Duncan@mail.house.gov

Peter DeFazio (D-OR) - FAX - (202) 225-0032 - e-mail: susan.brown@mail.house.gov

Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) - FAX - (202) 226-0774 - e-mail: moira.campion@mail.house.gov

Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) - FAX - (202) 225-3290 - e-mail: kimber.colton@mail.house.gov

Ron Kind (D-WI) - FAX - (202) 225-5739 - e-mail: david.degennaro@mail.house.gov

Lois Capps (D-CA)¬ -- FAX - (202) 225-5632 - e-mail: jonathan.levenshus@mail.house.gov

Jay Inslee (D-WA) ¬¬- FAX - (202) 226-1606 - e-mail: garth.vanmeter@mail.house.gov

Mark Udall (D-CO) -- FAX - (202) 226-7840 - e-mail: stan.sloss@mail.house.gov

Joe Baca (D-CA) - FAX - (202) 225-8671 - e-mail: susie.saavedra@mail.house.gov

Hilda Solis (D-CA) - FAX- (202) 225-5467 - e-mail: megan.uzzell@mail.house.gov

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) - FAX - (202) 225-5823 - e-mail: josh.albert@mail.house.gov

Heath Shuler (D-NC) - FAX - (202) 226-6422 - e-mail: sean.obrien@mail.house.gov

[Hammer Hog]

Where's all the local Hammers people??

Do me a favor, call KCDZ 107.7 on the radio and bring this rally up...

760-366-8471

I sent 'em a press release! :)


I have already contacted Gary at the radio station. A few days ago I had posted his responses here:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7977903&postcount=107


However, I didn't tell him about the rally as of yet. I just wanted him to go on a fact finding mission first...of which he seems to be all over it. That's what he does best. And he does have big brass connections/friends in 29.

[Chris]

I'll be talking to Duncan HUnter's lead assistant in the morning. I'll be sure someone from his office is on line during the rally even if I have to sign u for them and and send them a link to their profile.:laughing:

[Kurtuleas]

I'll be talking to Duncan HUnter's lead assistant in the morning. I'll be sure someone from his office is on line during the rally even if I have to sign u for them and and send them a link to their profile.:laughing:


:beer::beer::beer:

[luvrox]

Amen brother!

I have heard a lot on this rally, but IMHO, nowhere NEAR what it should be..

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=665515

Ya, becouse the individule groups still have their heads stuffed where the sun never shines.:mad3: :mad3: :mad3:
A little history here I raced D37 in the late sixties thru the seventies while all parties watched the demise of Goverment Peak / Randsberg area (Four Aces), Red mountain /Teagle Wash Area (Invaders down hill). Dove Cyn. (So cal down hill). Do I need to go on? The area we are trying to save has been used by all parties including the Desert Racing crowd over recent history. Oh, ya think WTF does he know about des racing? Crewed for Bobby Farrow in the late sixties / eary seventies and was trail bitch for Brock Racing around that time.
Bottom line here ya all gota step up. Cus if we screw around on this, it will be a dun deal and we will all lose!!!!!!!!!!

[Kurtuleas]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

THE RALLY MONKEY WILL BE HERE!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kurtuleas/rallymonkey.jpg

[chvyhs]

I would have to assume that mountainous area will be the buffer zone between the training areas and the public.

For those of you that don't know the history of the base and how long it's been in use read this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Ground_Combat_Center_Twentynine_P alms

[Kurtuleas]

Since an on-line rally has NEVER been done....

Dale from the Rubicon Rockheads had a GREAT idea! Why not apply for a world record?

Anyone want to take the lead on this? Largest on-line rally?

It maybe easily beat in the future, but we would be the FIRST!

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/member/faqs.aspx

[Kurtuleas]

:smokin:

http://www.nohvcc.org/

[Wayne_Nosala]

Ok, I have posted this on a few web sites that have pretty impressive traffic

And also have Email quite a few people

D37, As we know , that's were all of this originated.

http://www.district37ama.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20012&page=10

http://www.corva.org/

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=615737&page=2

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41046

http://www.glamisdunes.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=132514

http://www.americansandassociation.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24112

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=341749

I had one guy actually accuse me of trying to draw people to Pirate for profit,
kinda BS, but whatever, I never have even posted to this site until last week.

Two suggestions,
Maybe not run sponsor banner ad when the thread opens.
Maybe leave the thread open for posting even when rally ends

Your call
Wayne Nosala
http://www.corva.org/

[ThePagan]

Sent out to everyone I know...

- Shawn

[Grytech]

I found it posted in the 4WD forums, came over and signed up to support this.

I'd hate to loose those trails before I get a chance to run them.

[Kurtuleas]

I found it posted in the 4WD forums, came over and signed up to support this.

I'd hate to loose those trails before I get a chance to run them.

Hey Sierra Vista!!

My old stomping grounds! (Well, in the 3rd grade when I lived there. LOL!)

Thanks brother!

[randii]

:smokin:

http://www.nohvcc.org/

Cool!

[RUFF]

For any Aussies reading this thread. You need to reply on our 13th(Thursday) and between 8AM and 12PM EST or obviously 9AM and 1PM if your on Daylight savings time.


Good Luck Guys i hope this comes good. I really want the chance to wheel the Hammers again in the future.

[ratpatrol]

Now this thing has snowballed all over the Internet, we will be
lucky to even have a seat at the bargaining table.



Wayne Nosala

I don't see how they could possibly ignore us or refuse us representation at the "table". We have a voice, and a stake in this.

[Hammer Hog]

I awoke to this morning's Yucca Valley Hi Desert Star (Local rag) to see that the Rally with map made the second page.

Good job to however contacted them :smokin:

[Kurtuleas]

I awoke to this morning's Yucca Valley Hi Desert Star (Local rag) to see that the Rally with map made the second page.

Good job to however contacted them :smokin:

SWEETNESS!!!!

:D:D:D:D!!!!

I sent them a press release, but I know several other did too! (Plus someone here had the ear of one of the editors i think!

[UGET IT]

Excellent!!!!!! Now we need the locals to get more people involved today!!!! Come Awn Tin Benders this is your back yard! Just like the Rubicon is ours, its be a constant fight and this wont be going away anytime soon...........

[Slick Willie]

I posted the info on a few boards, hopefully that'll help.

I'm in Texas, and haven't been further West than Moab, but who knows...maybe one day. I'll post up since it might help. :beer:

[Kurtuleas]

PETERSENS!!! :smokin:

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/web/131_0803_virtual_rally_to_save_the_hammers/index.html

[WRR]

Hi :)

I am here from the stage-rally / rally-x community - lots of talk on the rally forums about what you have got going on & we use Soggy Lake in JV for rally-x activity on a regular basis - keep up the good work!

[RustyNailJustin]

Hi :)

I am here from the stage-rally / rally-x community - lots of talk on the rally forums about what you have got going here - & we use Soggy Lake in JV for rally-x activity on a regular basis - keep up the good work!

Make sure you and all your buddys are here for the rally!

[RustyNailJustin]

I awoke to this morning's Yucca Valley Hi Desert Star (Local rag) to see that the Rally with map made the second page.

Good job to however contacted them :smokin:

Good stuff:)

[Kurtuleas]

Hi :)

I am here from the stage-rally / rally-x community - lots of talk on the rally forums about what you have got going on & we use Soggy Lake in JV for rally-x activity on a regular basis - keep up the good work!

Welcome! And thank you!

For those of you logging on and looking for info....

We start at 2: www.pirate4x4.com/jv

[Chris]

SWEETNESS!!!!

:D:D:D:D!!!!

I sent them a press release, but I know several other did too! (Plus someone here had the ear of one of the editors i think!
I was in contact with Jimmy Biggerstaff and he seems to be on our side for sure. Let's show him what we're made of so the next time he has an audience with the commandant, he can ask him exactly what he plans to do about us. :cool2:

[WRR]

Make sure you and all your buddys are here for the rally!

don't worry - we will be out in force :hot:

I have seen links to this posted on SpecialStage.com, DirtyImpreza.com, FormulaRallyX.com, RallyXportal.com, AllWheelJunkies.com, etc

[505 Motorsports]

Make sure you and all your buddys are here for the rally!


Well, I am here at least. I hope the others join us!! (I am also from the Rally community BTW)

[RustyNailJustin]

I know today is going to be a big hit! Good job of getting this together Kurt:D

[Kurtuleas]

I know today is going to be a big hit! Good job of getting this together Kurt:D

Thanks!

i am PRAYING we have a huge showing...

The Land-use forum is getting views like never before. Over 30 people in there right now!

[Kurtuleas]

Just got word that the USMC sent out a press release this morning on JV.

I am looking now for it....

[djblade311]

posted on www.xjdb.com a few days ago. Every little bit helps

[j.love]

Here from Jeep forum! :)

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=531916

[Brewster2]

How much land does the military need in the US? I just spent about half an hour looking to see how much land is under military ownership and the only figure I could find is approx. 1% of all land in the 48 mainland states.
Other interesting find was that just a few years ago, the military was trying to reduce their land holdings........can you say Military Intelligence?

Ride on
Brewster

[u-joint]

I'll be here!

[sterlingautosport]

I have hit all the Land Rover forums and looks like the Land Rover community will be out in full force.

[rautenstrauchd]

25 Minutes! Last week I put it on Classicbroncos.com and craigslist!

[Camo Deere]

I'm only 15 and getting a Jeep soon, all I want to do is wheel, and with parks closing that will start being impossible for me. One day I want to take my kids on the same trails I went on as a kid.

BUMP FOR AN AWESOME CAUSE!

[j.love]

Just posted it on a offroad based Gaming site.

Wasteland War (http://www.wastelandwar.com/register.php?REF=3707).

[RustyNailJustin]

Good to see all you guys coming to help out. This is pretty awesome!!! :D
over 100 people in land use right now 40 in JV I have never seen half those numbers.

[REDWAGON1985]

is it on yet?

[MiniSimp]

Um. yeah, 2pm.

[WLDWUN]

GO HERE

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=664629


its on and I think we broke Lance's toy!

[rjkick]

I have been going to Johnson Valley for at least 20 years now. I enjoy the varied terrain and people that are always friendly when you pass them. I now bring my Aunts, Uncles, other family members, friends, and their families to enjoy responsibly one of the few Off Road areas available these days. It would be a shame if any more Off Road terrain is lost. Off Roading is a family sport with good values brought to any location we are at. You can walk around and actually meet fellow off roaders and talk to them. I try to be friendly in the city and I'm looked at as being odd or something is wrong with me.

Just some observations and my story

Let's keep Off Roading available for future generations

[EarlKann]

I have been going to Johnson Valley for at least 20 years now. I enjoy the varied terrain and people that are always friendly when you pass them. I now bring my Aunts, Uncles, other family members, friends, and their families to enjoy responsibly one of the few Off Road areas available these days. It would be a shame if any more Off Road terrain is lost. Off Roading is a family sport with good values brought to any location we are at. You can walk around and actually meet fellow off roaders and talk to them. I try to be friendly in the city and I'm looked at as being odd or something is wrong with me.

Just some observations and my story

Let's keep Off Roading available for future generations

Post it again in the "official" thread.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/jv

[tcjones76]

I have never been to Johnson Valley, but I would pay to travel across this nation if I was invited to attend. That equates to quite a recreational value. I am a responsible member of the four wheel drive community and I am a member for the Deep Woods Extreme 4WD club and the Northeast Association of 4WD Clubs. It is a recreation activity that I combine with family camping. Please let us know what we need to do to maintain the open four wheel drive trails on public lands, we will ensure it is done.

Timothy Jones
Tyngsboro, MA

[JoeRock]

Having served in the military myself, I believe that space is needed for training, but at the same time, I do not believe that this particular location should be sacrificed. I am just getting into the the OHV scene and it is clear to me that there are far more trying to shut us down then there are to help. As I understand it, hundreds of families and OHV clubs travel here from all over the United States every year to enjoy the scenery and trails. One day I look forward to taking my family there to enjoy some camping, and to ride the trails. If The Marine Corps is allowed to move in and take over that area, I, my family, and wheelin buddies, will never get to see the hammers the way so many have.
The Hammers is a place for people to enjoy, I would like to keep it that way!

[NoJoke]

LEAVE THE HAMMERS OPEN and to The People!
This is a revered trail and it is enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts.

I PLAN ON BEING ONE OF THEM!Ned A. Morris, DDS and family.

[Kurtuleas]

This thread is NOT the rally thread guys!!

You need to post your comments in this thread:

www.pirate4x4.com/jv

[Mean_Green]

MJR has a event of it